Testimony of Healing September 7, 2009 Issue

'THE CLOUDS LIFTED'

TOM MANGELSDORF

Three or four years ago, as springtime rolled around, I was enjoying the fact that it was getting lighter earlier in the morning. One day before work I decided to brave some drizzle and ride my bike to the office. The weather report suggested I would be rewarded with a nicer ride in the afternoon. So I tossed my work clothes in a daypack, and off I went.

Just a few blocks shy of work, I came to some familiar railroad tracks. My front wheel sank into a groove, and I went right over the handlebars. I was moving pretty fast, so I came down hard on the pavement. But I was immediately grateful because, even though there were cars and trucks zooming along in commuter traffic, neither my bike nor I was hit. I quickly got up, dragged my bike onto the sidewalk, and took stock of the situation.

My bike was pretty banged up and had a flat tire. So I knew I'd have to walk the last few blocks to work. When I looked at myself, I realized I had cuts and scrapes all over my hands, arms, and legs. Plus, whenever I tried to move my right hand, there was a sound that to me indicated shifting bones in my wrist, along with some pain. As I walked, I knew that it was important not to allow myself to fall into feeling like a helpless victim of circumstance. I continued to be thankful I hadn't been hit. It was my first step in acknowledging the presence and governance of God.

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